Trump and Elon Musk Crushed USAID. Hunger and Violence Followed.
A recent study indicates that the abrupt shutdown of USAID may have contributed to increased violent conflict in Africa. The research highlights a significant rise in conflict and unrest in regions that previously received USAID support. Experts caution that the findings are preliminary and may not fully capture the broader implications of the aid withdrawal.
- ▪The USAID shutdown occurred shortly after President Trump's inauguration, leading to the largest withdrawal of American international development aid in over 60 years.
- ▪A study published in Science found a 12.3 percent increase in overall conflict and a 7.3 percent surge in armed battles in areas that had previously received USAID support.
- ▪Experts warn that the effects of the USAID shutdown have been swift and destabilizing, impacting food security and contributing to social unrest.
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| Publication time | Thu, 21 May 2026 11:30:00 +0000 |
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freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: "motherjones_right_rail_1", slotId: "ROS_ATF_300x600" }); A study published in Science suggests the sudden USAID shutdown may be linked to an uptick in violent conflict across much of Africa.Luis Tato/AFP via Getty via Grist Get your news from a source that’s not owned and controlled by oligarchs. Sign up for the free Mother Jones Daily. This story was originally published by Grist and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. For decades, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), worked across many of the world’s most food-insecure and climate-besieged regions, funding thousands of humanitarian, healthcare, food, and disaster relief programs.
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